CLA News / Report on Commonwealth Lawyers Treasurer Maria Mbeneka’s Visit to London for the Opening of the Legal Year

This report details the five-day visit of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) Honorory Treasurer to London, focusing on official engagements and the ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year in England and Wales. The visit highlighted the deep-rooted traditions of the UK legal system and provided a platform for CLA’s continued partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Day 1: Arrival and Engagement

The visit commenced on the first evening where I was hosted to a dinner with Mark Fenhalls KC former Chairman of the Bar Council, Debra Long the Policy Manager for Rule of Law and Human Rights at the Law Society of England Wales and her colleague Mickael Laurans who heads International Law, our CLA Secretary General Brigid Watson, Council Member David Greene and Laurie Watt, our Lifetime Treasurer. This dinner provided and opportunity to networking and for me to engage with key leaders of the UK legal community and set a collaborative tone for the days ahead.

David Greene, Debra Long, Maria Mbeneka, Laurie Watt, Mark Fenhalls, Brigid Watson, Mickael Laurans

Day 2: Commonwealth Bar Leaders’ Meeting and Networking Lunch

Day two began with a crucial meeting at the Law Society offices in Chancery Lane. Attendees included senior representatives from the Law Society and the Bar Council, alongside CLA leadership. The discussions focused on contemporary legal challenges and avenues for Commonwealth cooperation. Following lunch, an important bar leaders meeting was held, specifically addressing the critical issue of lawyers in exile—a significant concern for the international legal community and human rights advocacy.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Law Society, further strengthening the relationship between the CLA and the representative body for solicitors in England and Wales.

Faith Odhiambo Law Society of Kenya President, Maria Mbeneka CLA Treasurer, Jean Dyer President Eastern Caribbean States Bar Association

Bar Leaders Meeting 

Law Society president Richard Atkinson;American Bar Association president Michelle A. Behnke; Law Association for Asia and the Pacific President Shyam Divan;Law Society of Zimbabwe President Lison Ncube 

With Mark Stephens, CLA and IBA Vice President

Day 3: The Opening of the Legal Year

The third day was dedicated to the Opening of the Legal Year, a centuries-old ceremony marking the formal resumption of the courts after the summer recess. The ceremony, dating back to medieval times, embodies the constitutional importance of the judiciary and the rule of law. It’s not merely a social event but a profound declaration of the legal sector’s commitment to justice and continuity.

The Proceedings

The day started with a breakfast at Lincoln’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court. The attendance was notable for the cross-section of the legal profession:

• Judges: Distinguished by their robes, often scarlet and ermine, signifying their judicial authority and highest rank.
• Barristers: Attired in their traditional black gowns and wigs, forming the advocacy branch of the profession, with a clear hierarchy from junior to King’s Counsel (KC).
• Solicitors: Increasingly represented in the procession, wearing black gowns over suits, and typically handling client matters and transactional law.
• Visiting Bar Leaders: Officials from across the Commonwealth and the American Bar Association (ABA), who wore their respective national or organisational regalia, underscoring the event’s global relevance.

The attendees were then bussed to Westminster Abbey for a special service. The setting within the Abbey—a site of great national history and spiritual significance—emphasised the solemnity and moral foundation of the law. The service was followed by a procession from the Abbey. Judges and barristers, led by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice, walked in their formal regalia. This colourful and formal display is a public affirmation of the independence and unity of the judiciary and the bar.

The final element was the procession into the House of Commons, where a reception is held. This symbolic journey from the spiritual heart of the nation (Westminster Abbey) to the legislative centre (Parliament) highlights the interdependency and constitutional balance between the judiciary and the legislature.

With LSK President Faith Odhiambo & Kahlil Parker KC President Bahamas Bar Council

Lord Chancellor David Lammy MP alongside Lady Chief Justice Baroness of Walton-on-the-Hill

Day 4: Judicial Appointments and Court Buildings

Day four involved a journey to Kent for a lunch with the Secretary-General (SG) of the CLA, Brigid Watson. This informal engagement provided us with an opportunity to discuss CLA Secretariat operations and plans in person. We had lunch in the quaint town of Rye, which has preserved its architecture and historical sites.

In the afternoon, I attended the swearing-in ceremony of Lord Justice James Dingemams as the President of Tribunals. The ceremony, presided over by Lady Chief Justice Susan Carr of Walton on the Hill, took place in the iconic historical court buildings on Fleet Street, which houses numerous judicial offices and tribunal chambers. Witnessing the swearing-in ceremony, I admired and quite enjoyed the submissions from the Bar and appreciated the valuable insight into the process for the President of Tribunals appointments.

Day 5: Concluding Discussions

The final day focused on high-level consultative meetings. I had a meeting with the Brigid Watson and Judge Malcom Simmons, Resident Judge of the Falkland Islands and His Majesty’s Coroner for the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands and the British Antarctic Territory. He is a highly respected international criminal judge, especially noted for his work in judicial and justice administration reform. With over 20 years’ experience, he has trained judges, prosecutors, and lawyers; allowing for detailed bilateral discussions on ongoing CLA projects and judicial cooperation.

This was followed by lunch with the Life Treasurer of the CLA, Laurie Watt which I particularly enjoyed as we shared our experiences, he as my predecessor had invaluable insights to offer regarding the history of the CLA. Laurie’s deep connection to Kenya through his professional (as a Solicitor) and personal friendship with one of Kenya’s leading luminaries the 90’s multi party era the late Kenneth Matiba was a delight to listen to.

The visit successfully reinforced the ties between the CLA and the legal institutions of England and Wales, fostering essential dialogue on both the historical traditions and the modern challenges facing the legal profession globally.

By Maria Mbeneka, Treasurer, Commonwealth Lawyers Association